AUGUSTA — Maine's big four hunting seasons are coming to a close for the year.

The seasons for moose, white-tailed deer and black bears all end on Nov. 27. The season for wild turkey has already ended.

The moose and bear seasons are already in a slowed-down mode, as the more active seasons for those animals take place earlier in the fall.

The traditional firearms season for deer is followed by a season for hunters who use muzzleloaders. The season stretches into December.

Maine wildlife managers use the seasons to try to manage the population of the animals. However, moose hunters have not had a very successful season by recent standards.

The state upped permits for some game species this year as part of an effort to increase participation.